ESC has worked to encourage our neighbors to come out and vote as this is a very important local election. We have 4 out of 5 city council seats to be filled in this November 5th election.  Thanks to San Mateo Daily Journal and the question answer they have provided on each candidate to allow us a better idea of our candidates beyond the statement they submitted when they filed for their campaigns. More information can be found on SMART VOTER website HERE.

These questions are directly from The San Mateo Daily Journal

Mark Addiego
Age: 58
Education: Public administration courses, University of San Francisco
Experience: Councilman 1980-1989 and
2005-present; mayor 1983, 1984, 1987 and 2009
Family: Single
Residence: 48 years in South San Francisco

What measures should the city take to better downtown?

Mark Addiego: The city must encourage new  residential options downtown. The amenities and services available, within easy walking distance, are attractive features for those wishing to free themselves from the automobile. Future improvements to Caltrain will provide a mass  transit link to San Francisco and the South Bay.

What can the city do to encourage use of the ferry terminal?

Mark Addiego: The ferry service was designed to move East Bay residents to their jobs in the South San Francisco area. Eliminating these peak time commute trips from the Bay Bridge and Highway 101 has a positive impact regionally. Our
major employers must buy into the ferry service as an alternate to the car. Their employees need to receive incentives to embrace and utilize this transit option.

Do you think the city has taken the right approach to development throughout the city?

Mark Addiego: Our focus has been on the continuing expansion of the biotech life science sector. These new R and D developments have strong positive impacts on the city’s revenue picture. Job growth has a great economic impact
on the region and here. Our residential efforts on the El Camino corridor have been met with mixed reviews. We need to be sensitive to the impacts on existing neighborhoods.

What is one ordinance or fee you would like to see repealed?

Mark Addiego: The red light camera program should be repealed; the fine is excessive. While the city does not set the amount of the fine, we did facilitate the program by signing a contract and agreeing to the placement of cameras. Red light cameras were presented to us as a way to increase safety at key intersections, but that hasn’t been validated.

Do you think the city has made fiscally responsible decisions?

Mark Addiego: South San Francisco has been cautious with its finances currently and in the past. City councils have agreed for many years to maintain healthy cash reserves. These reserves enabled us to weather the recent financial
meltdown. Unlike others, South San Francisco did not need layoffs or furloughs. Savings were secured through attrition and today we can begin replacing needed personnel and services.

Candidate Statement